John Ball Zoo Tours

Photo by Patrick Laughlin 


Reviews of John Ball Zoo

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
56
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
29
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
12
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 2%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Go early. Spend the days lots to see

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Nice small zoo that we visit every time we come to Grand Haven

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

New stuff added every year

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near John Ball Zoo

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
187 Monroe Ave Nw, Grand Rapids, MI
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront

Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront

3 out of 5
270 Ann Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Radisson Hotel Grand Rapids Riverfront
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG

Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG

3 out of 5
310 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown by IHG
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown

Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown

3 out of 5
40 Louis St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Residence Inn by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

4 out of 5
131 Ionia Avenue SW, Grand Rapids, MI
Canopy by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids

Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids

3 out of 5
11 Monroe Ave Nw, Grand Rapids, MI
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown Grand Rapids
Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown,MI

Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown,MI

3.5 out of 5
710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI
Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown,MI
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown

Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown

3 out of 5
140 Ottawa Ave, Grand Rapids, MI
Hyatt Place Grand Rapids Downtown
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel

CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3 out of 5
83 Monroe Center St NW, Grand Rapids, MI
CityFlatsHotel - Grand Rapids, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near John Ball Zoo

At John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, visitors can enjoy a wildlife adventure and explore various animal exhibits. The zoo also offers exciting zoo adventures for families, along with access to a wellness center nearby. In addition to the zoo, guests can experience live music, baseball, and other sports activities, while downtown attractions and major landmarks provide further entertainment options for a memorable vacation.

Shopping

Only 3.2km from John Ball Zoo, the Downtown Market offers a vibrant public market experience. For a family-friendly outing, Woodland Mall is 11.3km away with a variety of shops. If you're up for a drive, RiverTown Crossings Mall, 9.7km away, features entertainment and shopping options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at LMCU Ballpark, a perfect spot for sports enthusiasts. Enjoy rejuvenation at Walker Ice and Fitness Center with its wellness-focused environment. For a touch of luxury, unwind at Watermark Country Club, offering upscale amenities and serene surroundings.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Cannonsburg Ski Area, located 19.3km from John Ball Zoo, where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. For motorsport fans, Grattan Raceway, 30.6km away, offers an adrenaline-pumping racing experience. Additionally, the Canepa Tennis Center, 9.7km from the zoo, provides exciting tennis adventures.

Nightlife

At John Ball Zoo, the nightlife buzzes with excitement just two miles away at DeVos Performance Hall, Broadway Grand Rapids, and Grand Rapids Civic Theatre. Each venue offers a delightful mix of romance, entertainment, and culture, perfect for an enchanting evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near John Ball Zoo

When visiting John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you'll find a variety of attractions to explore, including urban parks and scenic lakes. The zoo itself offers a fantastic family-friendly experience, while nearby downtown museums and top attractions provide additional cultural insights. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or city experiences, there’s something for every traveler to enjoy in and around this vibrant area.

  • Van Andel Arena: Located 3.2km from John Ball Zoo, Van Andel Arena is a vibrant entertainment venue that hosts a variety of concerts and family-friendly events, making it a perfect spot for a fun-filled evening with loved ones.
  • Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: Situated 9.7km away, this stunning outdoor sculpture garden offers a unique blend of art and nature, featuring beautiful landscapes and impressive sculptures, ideal for families seeking a peaceful outdoor experience.
  • Gerald R. Ford Museum: Just 1.6km from the zoo, this museum showcases the life and legacy of the 38th President of the United States, providing a deep cultural insight into American history, perfect for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to John Ball Zoo

The best time to visit John Ball Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around John Ball Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around John Ball Zoo falls in January, visitor numbers are low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January24.3°F (-4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February24.8°F (-4.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
March35.2°F (1.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
June67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
July71.8°F (22.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
August70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November39.7°F (4.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
December31.3°F (-0.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for John Ball Zoo

To save money on your visit to John Ball Zoo, consider traveling in March or December to January, as these months offer lower accommodation rates compared to the peak season of May and July to August. Mondays are the least expensive days to stay, while Saturdays are the most costly. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, especially those that are Eco-certified. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Arrange hotel prices from lowest to highest to find the best deals.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around John Ball Zoo are March and December to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around John Ball Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around John Ball Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at John Ball Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia